It seems like today there is more and more of an emphasis placed on healthy eating. This really is a good thing, but it doesn’t mean that more and more people are actually eating healthier. It just means that the industry is stressing healthier eating more. Nonetheless, this is still a good thing because if it only reaches one person, it was worth the effort. One of the best, easiest, and most effective ways to eat healthy these days is by consuming steamed vegetables. Steaming your food is a good way to cook the food without degrading the nutrient content. Most people don’t know it, but baking and boiling really suck the nutrients outs of healthier food items, whereas steam does not. Not only this, but it doesn’t impact the quality of the taste of the dish either.
All that aside, steaming might seem like a simple process. You are essentially just boiling water and letting the steam cook the food, right? Well, it can get a bit more complicated than that. This style of cooking takes a little bit of patience coupled with some know-how. Below, you learn what you need to know about steaming vegetables.
The Types Of Steamers Available
Before you even learn about steaming food, you’ll need a general understanding of the type of steamer that you are using. You’d think that you’d know about the steamer since it is the one you purchased. Unfortunately, this is not oftentimes the case. Most people just blindly run out to the store and buy the first steaming device they run in to. Well, this can be a mistake because different steaming methods and devices offer different results. That aside, you find that there are two basics options available when it comes to steaming food today. This would be the steamer basket and the electric steamer.
Steamer Basket
Anyone from Corrie Cooks will tell you that steamer basket is without a doubt one of the most common ways to steam vegetables. This is because the device can be directly inserted in your crock-pot, slow cooker, pot, or pan, and then placed on the stove or in the microwave. All in all the concept is rather simple, as all you have to do is place the veggies or food in the basket and close the lid on the pot. As the water boils in the pot it’ll produce steam. The stem will rise and essentially heat the food in the basket. As far as vegetables go the overall cooking time can vary depending on the type of vegetables and the amount that you are cooking.
The Electric Steamer
The next available option is the electric steamer. It follows the very same concept, but it is a standalone device. It’ll do all the work for you right there on the countertop. All you have to do is add the water, close and lock the lid, and then set the appropriate settings. Just like other cooking devices available today, you’ll find that there are multiple steamers available. Some might feature multiple tiers that allow you to cook your entire dinner all inside the same appliance, while some might only feature one-tier. It really comes down to your specific needs and desires.
How To Choose
Choosing a steamer basket will prove to be difficult. You’ll want to search extensively until you find the one that is going to work best for you. So, what do you need to look for when buying one of these products? Well, you’ll have to look at the price, price, design, and material. If you don’t consider these things, you may not get the desired results. Make sure that you get a basket and works fluidly with your Instant Pot. Furthermore, it should be able to hold sufficient food without any issues.
Next, you’ll want to make sure that the material is built to last. This is going to make a big difference. If you choose a lower quality basket, you will likely be forced to replace it in a few months. You don’t want this to happen. Choose a better basket so you’ll be able to use it for many years to come. These baskets can be made from mesh, silicone, and other food-grade materials.
You’ll want to learn as much as you can about these materials so you’ll be able to find out which one is going to work best for you. Either way, you’ll want one that is long-lasting and easy to use.
How To Use A Steamer Basket
Using a steamer basket is easier than you could ever imagine. One of the most difficult aspects is finding one that works well for you. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to install the basket into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Remember that you’ll want to add water to the pot first. The amount of water added will depend on the recipe you’re preparing. This ensures that the Instant Pot is able to build up enough pressure to create steam. Once you’ve done that, you can install the steamer basket and dump vegetables and dumplings inside.
Close the lid before setting the timer. Once you’ve used one of these devices several times, you’ll get the hang of it. You can rest assured knowing that it isn’t difficult. So, you’ll be able to figure it out easily.
What To Avoid
When buying a steamer basket, you have to be very cautious. If you choose the wrong product, you’re going to regret your decision. For instance, you need to make sure that you don’t choose any plastic products. Plastic baskets are not going to last so don’t bother. Furthermore, you should never buy a basket that is going to hinder the lid. Finally, it is best to avoid baskets that have chipped paint. As long as you avoid these problems, you can guarantee that you’ll get your money’s worth. Follow this advice and you’ll have no trouble getting a great basket that will withstand the test of time.
Summary
At the end of the day, using a steamer is a good way to prepare your favorite meals. Just remember that this isn’t going to work for all foods. With that being said, you should enhance the versatility of your steamer by using a steaming basket. With one of these devices, you’ll be able to improve the flexibility of your steamer and prepare delicious meals for your entire family. Once you’ve obtained a steamer basket, you’ll be able to use your steamer in new ways. You’ll enjoy delicious foods and you can rest assured knowing that they’re healthy.
